Managing Consultant, Archaeologist

ERM; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

ERM in the Upper Midwest is seeking a Managing Consultant, Archaeologist to lead archaeological projects from planning through execution, both in the field and in the office. You will guide teams, shape strategy, and ensure high-quality deliverables.

The role requires 8–10+ years in cultural resource management, strong regulatory knowledge (NHPA/NEPA), and the ability to travel. Join a leading sustainability consultancy delivering integrated, client-focused solutions.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a related field.
• 8–10+ years of professional experience in cultural resource management.
• Experience leading survey, testing, data recovery, and field programs.
• Demonstrated success as a primary author of agency-reviewed technical reports.
• Strong knowledge of NHPA/NEPA regulatory frameworks.
• Experience collaborating with Tribal Historic Preservation Officers and Indigenous stakeholders.
• Strong project leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to contribute to business development and client growth.
• Willingness to travel frequently.

Responsibilities

• Lead archaeological projects from planning through execution—both in the field and in the office.
• Oversee and mentor staff, ensuring high-quality deliverables and professional development.
• Conduct and direct literature reviews, field surveys, excavations, and reporting.
• Prepare technical documentation supporting Section 106 and NEPA compliance.
• Engage with State Historic Preservation Offices, federal agencies, and Tribal partners.
• Advise clients on regulatory strategy, permitting pathways, and cultural resource considerations.
• Contribute to proposals and support new business opportunities.
• Represent ERM in client meetings, agency consultations, and industry discussions.
• Collaborate across ERM practice areas to deliver integrated, client-focused solutions.

Skills

Project leadership

Client advisory

Regulatory knowledge NHPA/NEPA

Team mentorship

Communication skills

Business development capability

Travel flexibility

Field coordination

Education

Graduate degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a related field

Tools

GIS

GPS

Total stations

Job description

Lead High-Impact Cultural Resource Programs Across the Upper Midwest

Step into a leadership role at ERM where your archaeological expertise directly shapes responsible development, protects cultural heritage, and guides clients through complex regulatory landscapes. As a Managing Consultant, Archaeologist, you won’t just execute projects—you’ll lead teams, influence strategy, and drive meaningful outcomes across diverse, high-impact engagements.

Why This Role Matters

Cultural resource management is at the center of sustainable development. In this role, you will help ensure that critical infrastructure and development projects move forward responsibly, compliantly, and with respect for cultural heritage. Your leadership will strengthen partnerships with clients, agencies, and Indigenous communities while contributing to ERM’s continued growth in archaeology and cultural heritage services.

What Your Impact Is

• Lead and deliver complex archaeological projects that align with NHPA Section 106, NEPA, and other regulatory requirements
• Shape project strategy and execution across the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes region
• Mentor and develop emerging talent, fostering a high-performing, collaborative team culture
• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients—guiding them through permitting, compliance, and best practices
• Expand ERM’s cultural resources capabilities through client engagement and business development
• Strengthen cross-functional collaboration to deliver integrated, multidisciplinary solutions

What You’ll Bring

• Graduate degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a related field
• 8–10+ years of professional experience in cultural resource management
• Proven experience leading survey, testing, data recovery, and field programs
• Demonstrated success as a primary author of agency-reviewed technical reports
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local regulatory frameworks (including NHPA and NEPA)
• Experience working collaboratively with Tribal Historic Preservation Officers and Indigenous stakeholders
• Strong project leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to business development and client growth
• Flexibility to travel frequently and conduct fieldwork in varied conditions

Preferred

• Registered Professional Archaeologist (RPA) designation
• Eligibility for state archaeological permits or licenses
• Experience with GIS, GPS, total stations, and other field technologies
• Laboratory analysis or materials processing experience
• Established familiarity with Upper Midwest and Great Lakes archaeology
• Strong technical writing and advanced Microsoft Office proficiency

Key Responsibilities

• Lead archaeological projects from planning through execution—both in the field and in the office
• Oversee and mentor staff, ensuring high-quality deliverables and professional development
• Conduct and direct literature reviews, field surveys, excavations, and reporting
• Prepare technical documentation supporting Section 106 and NEPA compliance
• Engage with State Historic Preservation Offices, federal agencies, and Tribal partners
• Advise clients on regulatory strategy, permitting pathways, and cultural resource considerations
• Contribute to proposals and support new business opportunities
• Represent ERM in client meetings, agency consultations, and industry discussions
• Collaborate across ERM practice areas to deliver integrated, client-focused solutions

For the Managing Consultant, Project Manager position, the anticipated annual base pay is $89,926–$112,764 (USD). Actual pay will depend on factors such as education, experience, skills, location, performance, and business needs. In some cases, pay may fall outside this range. This role may be eligible for bonus pay (casual and fixed term/flex force employees are not bonus eligible).

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, parental leave, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, AD&D insurance, 401(k) or RRSP/DPSP, and other applicable benefits to eligible employees.

Note: Bonuses, commissions, and other forms of additional compensation are not guaranteed and subject to the sole discretion of ERM and its policies and procedures.

Who We Are

As the largest global pure play sustainability consultancy, we partner with the world’s leading organizations, creating innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunity for future generations.

At ERM we know that creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment is an essential part of making our company a great place to build a career. We also see our diversity as a strength that helps us create better solutions for our clients. Our diverse team of world‑class experts supports clients across the breadth of their organizations to operationalize sustainability, underpinned by our deep technical expertise in addressing their environmental, health, safety, risk and social issues. We call this capability our “boots to boardroom” approach for its comprehensive service model that allows ERM to develop strategic and technical solutions that advance objectives on the ground or at the executive level.

ERM is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.